San Diego | Acquiring nuclear submarines will generate 20,000 direct jobs in Australia over three decades, as the Albanese government frames the multibillion-dollar venture as crucial to safeguarding the nation’s economic lifelines, bolstering local industry, as well as deterring China’s military adventurism.

As Anthony Albanese landed in San Diego on Saturday night (Sunday AEDT) for one of the most consequential announcements of his prime ministership, new government analysis shows that at the peak of construction, AUKUS will underpin 8500 direct jobs.